Boston, Massachusetts · City renter rules · Updated Oct 2026

Boston Tenant Rights: City Rules, Evictions (2026)

What is different for renters in Boston compared with Massachusetts state law: relocation payments, eviction protections and repairs. In plain English from official city sources.

Short answer

Massachusetts law bans rent control, so Boston has no rent cap and no just-cause eviction rule; most of your rights come from state law. Boston adds a few extras: your landlord must give you a city Notice of Tenants' Rights and Resources with any notice to quit and file a copy with the city, and tenants in buildings being converted to condos get long notice, lease extensions and $10,000-$15,000 in relocation money.

Rent control
No city rent cap
Just cause for eviction
No city rule
Relocation payments
In some cases
Free lawyer in eviction cases
Yes, for eligible tenants

Rent control in Boston

Boston has no rent control of its own. Massachusetts law: No. Rent control is banned statewide (M.G.L. c. 40P, since 1994).

Just cause for eviction in Boston

Boston has no just-cause eviction rule of its own; Massachusetts law decides when a landlord can end a tenancy. Eviction rules in Massachusetts

Relocation payments in Boston

The rule
Condo or co-op conversion: if your building was built before December 1983 and has 4 or more rental units (or meets the ordinance's other tests), the owner must give you one year's notice, a one-year lease extension, and the first right to buy your unit. If you do not buy, the owner must pay you $10,000 in relocation benefits. Seniors, tenants with disabilities, and low- and moderate-income tenants get a five-year lease extension and $15,000. You can leave early on 30 days' notice without penalty.
Law
City of Boston Condominium and Cooperative Conversion Ordinance (1999, amended March 8, 2021)

Security deposits in Boston

Boston adds no deposit rules of its own; Massachusetts law applies: deposit limit 1 month's rent, returned within 30 days. Security deposit law in Massachusetts

Repairs and complaints in Boston

Ask your landlord in writing first. If problems are not fixed, call 311 (BOS:311) to request a housing inspection from Boston's Inspectional Services Department, which enforces the State Sanitary Code. Landlords who pay for heat must provide it from September 15 to May 31.

Eviction protections in Boston

Housing Stability Notification Act: when your landlord serves a notice to quit or a notice of non-renewal, they must also give you the city's Notice of Tenants' Rights and Resources (available in 12 languages) and upload a copy of the notice to the city. If you did not get it, call Boston Fair Housing (617-635-2500) or 311 and ask for Fair Housing. Boston's Office of Housing Stability (617-635-4200) offers case coordinators, a legal clinic and mediation. The Access to Counsel Program gives full legal representation to families at risk of eviction who have a child in K-12 school.

Other Boston rules

  • Since May 5, 2025, Massachusetts law lets you ask to seal certain eviction records; Boston's Office of Housing Stability explains how.
  • Since August 1, 2025, Massachusetts law says that if the landlord hired the broker, the landlord pays the broker fee.

Massachusetts law that also applies

City rules add to state law. Where they differ, the stronger protection usually applies; if you are unsure, ask the city agency below.

Deposit limit
1 month's rent
Deposit back within
30 days
Notice for unpaid rent
14 days
Notice before entry
No statute
Rent increase notice
No statute setting a specific rent-increase notice.

Where to get help in Boston

Free tools

These tools use Massachusetts state law. Boston's rules above may give you more time or more money.

Deposit calculator

Check Massachusetts's deadline to return your deposit.

Eviction notice timeline

See the dates under Massachusetts law.

Repair request letter for Massachusetts

Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.

Your letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

What needs repair? (required)

Your state's rule on repair requests is shown below the form.

Massachusetts's rule on asking for repairs:Tell the landlord in writing about the problem and keep a copy. If not fixed, ask the local board of health (in Boston, Inspectional Services) to inspect; the inspection report is key evidence.

Dates, rooms and how the problem affects you. This text goes into the letter as written.

Questions about renting in Boston

Is there rent control in Boston?

Boston has no rent control of its own. Massachusetts law: No. Rent control is banned statewide (M.G.L. c. 40P, since 1994).

What eviction protections does Boston have?

Housing Stability Notification Act: when your landlord serves a notice to quit or a notice of non-renewal, they must also give you the city's Notice of Tenants' Rights and Resources (available in 12 languages) and upload a copy of the notice to the city. If you did not get it, call Boston Fair Housing (617-635-2500) or 311 and ask for Fair Housing. Boston's Office of Housing Stability (617-635-4200) offers case coordinators, a legal clinic and mediation. The Access to Counsel Program gives full legal representation to families at risk of eviction who have a child in K-12 school.

Do I get relocation money if I have to move out in Boston?

Condo or co-op conversion: if your building was built before December 1983 and has 4 or more rental units (or meets the ordinance's other tests), the owner must give you one year's notice, a one-year lease extension, and the first right to buy your unit. If you do not buy, the owner must pay you $10,000 in relocation benefits. Seniors, tenants with disabilities, and low- and moderate-income tenants get a five-year lease extension and $15,000. You can leave early on 30 days' notice without penalty.

How do I report repair problems in Boston?

Ask your landlord in writing first. If problems are not fixed, call 311 (BOS:311) to request a housing inspection from Boston's Inspectional Services Department, which enforces the State Sanitary Code. Landlords who pay for heat must provide it from September 15 to May 31.

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.

Other cities with their own rules